With school starting soon, and the change of seasons ahead, it’s a popular time for buying new shoes. Do you go for the latest trends? You can get the best brands at a fancy department store or a pair of store brand at the local discount retailer. As for your kids, they may have been begging you for the latest wheeled sneakers or skater shoes, but are they the best investments for their feet?
For adults and children alike, footwear should be comfortable and supportive. However, children in particular need shoes that have supportive features to allow for proper development. That’s why we suggest that you follow these guidelines when buying new shoes:
- Make sure to have feet measured each time you buy new shoes. Foot size can change over the years, and children’s feet can grow very quickly.
- Try shoes on before you buy them. They should be comfortable when you walk around in them in the store. You shouldn’t have to wait and wear a few times to “break them in”. Additionally, they shouldn’t cause you pain on certain spots, such as on a bunion or the top of your toes.
- Shoe material should be made of soft but durable material, such as leather.
- The outer soles should have grip to prevent slips (unless they will be worn indoors on carpet, in which case they can make you trip).
- The inner soles should have enough cushioning, which will reduce the impact on the rest of the body. They should also have ample arch support and heel support.
- The foot should not move around and the heel should not slip in and out.
- While heels may be fashionable, they probably aren’t functional for long periods of wearing.
If you experience pain in your feet while wearing many different types of shoes, you may have a deformity or other foot issue and you may need orthotics. If you are worried about your family’s feet, consult with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry. Make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505. Our friendly team is ready to assist you at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding areas of Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie.